Peridot has been August's primary birthstone for quite some time, but because the Peridot gems seen at most common gem or jewelry stores includes more murky and dark gems, many August babies have remained unaware of just how stunningly beautiful their birthstone can be!

Peridot and 18k Gold Ring from The Gem Vault

Peridot (pronounced pair-uh-doe) is the gem variety of Olivine. Olivine, is not exactly a mineral on it's own; rather, it is composed of two minerals - fayalite and forsterite. Fayalite is an iron-rich mineral which is what contributes to Peridot's attractive yellowish-green color tones.

Peridot and Diamond custom earrings designed by Jason Baskin at The Gem Vault

Peridot is found in a relatively narrow range of tones, from a brown-green color to yellowish green to a crips, pure apple or lime-y green.

Peridot Rough at The Gem Vault

The word peridot comes from the Arabic “faridat,” which means “gem”, but some believe it’s rooted in the Greek word peridona, meaning “giving plenty.” Perhaps that’s why peridot is associated with prosperity and good fortune!

Olivine image courtesy Wiki Commons Media.

Peridot has also been associated with light. In fact, the Egyptians called it the “Gem of the Sun.”

For many years, most Peridot was mined in the United States, specifically in Arizona as well as New Mexico. In relatively recent years both China and Pakistan have been producing a great amount of this gem, with many stones of fine quality.

Fine Peridot Rough at The Gem Vault

Here at The Gem Vault we have always carried Peridot in the finest of colors, cut and clarity. We love to see the look of amazement on the face of jewelry lovers who have never seen Peridot in it's finest quality, when they realize how gorgeous this gem can be!

On Thursday, August 16, 2018 7-8pm join us at "Inside The Vault": our monthly gem talk series where we show specimens of minerals, rough and fine cut gemstones and talk about their properties and current value or production.